Jessie Rivést
Jessie Rivést graduated in 2016 and has recently started as a manager as Musicworks Magazine. We asked Jessie a little bit about her new position and how Humber helped her get there.
What is your current job title and what does that mean on a daily basis?
My title is Operations & Circulation Manager at Musicworks Magazine. I work to expand the magazine's readership and circulation, as well as establish strategic partnerships with other like-minded organizations. As manager, I secure revenue sources in support of editorial, marketing and website initiatives, prepare grant applications and reports to funders, and regular financial reports for the Board of Directors. I oversee our Musicworks in the Classroom program and am currently compiling ideas and special projects for Musicworks’ 40th anniversary in 2018.
What other things have you done since leaving Humber (what was your career path to get where you are now)?
My field placement with Choirs Ontario while attending Humber was an invaluable hands-on experience in arts management. Following that, I was offered a position at the Waterfront Business Improvement Area, coordinating events, project managing the award-winning Singing Ambassador program, and assisting in the promotion of local businesses. My experience at the WBIA combined with the education I received from both Humber and Choirs Ontario and certainly prepared me for wearing the many hats and balancing the many responsibilities I now have as manager at the magazine.
How did your time at Humber prepare you for what you’re doing now? Any particular memories you’d like to share?
The professors and guest speakers really gave my cohort a real-world perspective on what was to be expected in the arts management field; particularly Charles C. Smith and his lectures in Youth, Diversity and Pluralism in the Arts. It really showed me the importance of our managerial roles as vital partnerships with artists in making meaningful statements that reflect and impact our communities; both the artists who create work and those who organize, present and integrate their ideas.
Our Digital Communications class and its many software introductions had a lot of takeaways – one of which was to remember that, as arts administrators, we often are thrown into situations that are too specific to learn in school, and there may not be a lot of time, resources or training to learn new things, which feels extremely awkward, like treading through mud. Since we never stop learning and are always taking on new challenges, it is best to find comfort in being awkward, which in itself is a valuable skill that leads to productivity.
Find out more about Jessie on her website, http://jessierivest.wixsite.com/jessie. You can also find her on Linkedin.
